Fine Art Newborn & Motherhood Photography

My Newborn Photography Journey | Houston Newborn Photographer

August 13, 2016

I was a hobbyist in 2008 when my husband got our first DSLR – Canon 350D. So when my first daughter was born, I was taking pictures of her almost everyday. I knew nothing about newborn photography at that time but at least I was lucky enough to catch that 5-12 days after birth window for her newborn pictures!

Thus my journey began…

In 2010, depending on when and where I took the pictures in my house, sometimes I got pretty good and warm window light (top left), but sometimes I don’t (middle left). Now in my studio, I use a strobe and lighting is very consistent yet as soft as natural light (right), regardless what time of the day I take pictures.

In 2010, I always waited for my baby to wake up for her portraits but look how sad she looked (top left), versus my client’s baby all bundled up and happy (top right). Now I realize that when newborns are awake, they either want to be fed or changed, not to be photographed! 😛

In 2010, I knew nothing about newborn posing, and again, my baby was awake (middle left). Now I use a bean bag and it’s so much easier to pose a newborn (middle right).

In 2010, my go-to outfit was pink on pink and even newborn size was a little too big for my tiny baby (middle left). Now I use layers of neutral-colored fabrics to display the natural beauty of the baby (middle right).

Last but not least, let’s talk about parent shots… In my 2010 picture (bottom left), I was wearing PJ (!), my baby’s face was too red compared to mine, and the picture was actually out-of-focus (thank you, Husband!). Now I ask parents to hold and snuggle their baby so we actually can see the baby’s face. And of course, I tone down the redness on the baby during post-processing.

Six years into newborn photography now, I would say, I wish I had hired someone to take those portraits for my own babies. Because they wouldn’t stay like a newborn for six years to wait for my skills and experience to grow! 🙂